Protect the right of local governments to set community workplace standards in Tennessee!

Thanks to advocates like you, the “Special Access to Discriminate” Act (HB0598) is having a hard time gaining traction with lawmakers in the Tennessee General Assembly. The bill continues to be rolled to future meetings as its House sponsor (Rep. Glen Casada) tries to offer amendments that make the bill easier to swallow with the House Subcommittee on Commerce. But you’ve heard the old saying: You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.

The truth is that the “Special Access to Discriminate” Act is a BIG government “solution” designed to thwart local community efforts to expand equal workplace protections, living wages and decent benefits.

As introduced, the “Special Access to Discriminate” Act (HB0598/SB0630) would prohibit local governments from enacting non-discrimination provisions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees of government contractors. HB0598/SB0630 would overturn the Contractor Accountability Non-Discrimination Ordinance in Nashville Metro Council that would establish LGBT-inclusive workplace protections for employees of government contractors and is very close to passing on the third reading. HB0598/SB0630 will also prohibit local governments from enacting fair wage laws and other workplace benefits for employees of government contractors.

Local municipal, county and school board governments don’t need State Government micromanagement and interference in their contractual affairs.

If you live in Tennessee, tell the House General Subcommittee of Commerce and Senate State and Local Government Committee to vote no on the “Special Access to Discriminate” Act! Then share this petition with your friends through Facebook, Twitter and email.

- Jonathan Cole, TEP Board Chair

Letter to

SenatorJoe Haynes

TEPTEP Messages

SenatorBill Ketron

and 6 others

SenatorMark Norris

State SenatorLowe Finney

State SenatorJanice Bowling

State SenatorThelma Harper

State SenatorRonald Ramsey

State SenatorKen Yager

I am writing to ask you to vote against HB0598/SB0630 when these bills are heard in committee.

HB0598/SB0630 will take away the right of local communities to improve the lives of their citizens and give contractors special rights to discriminate against their workers. As introduced, HB0598 will prohibit local governments from enacting non-discrimination provisions based on community standards for employees of government contractors. HB0598/SB0630 will also prohibit local governments from enacting fair wage laws for employees of government contractors.

The bill sets a bad precedent for state government interference in the contracting process of local governments. Local governments need the ability to set conditions for the use of taxpayer funds based on community needs and values. This bill undercuts that process.

HB0598/SB0630 will allow workplace discrimination and poverty wages in our local communities. HB0598/SB0630 will undermine local government control of cities, counties and schools boards across Tennessee.